Objective

To perform a microbiological analysis of the artisan cheese consumed in the county seats of the Córdoba department, and to evaluate the hygienic-locative conditions of small shops that favor contamination.

Methods

An exploratory and descriptive research was carried out in 120 small shops registered in the Departmental Health Secretariat of the 28 municipalities of Córdoba-Colombia during 2012-2013. The organoleptic characteristics of 360 samples were evaluated and, the presence of total coliforms, fecal coliforms, coagulase-positive sta-phylococci and fungi was determined through a microbiological analysis. The results were analyzed using univariate and bivariate statistics with their respective association measures according to the nature of each variable (EPI-INFO V. 6.04® Program).

Results

The microbiological assessment of 360 samples showed contamination with values not suitable for consumption equivalent to: total coliforms (97.5 %), fecal coliforms (88.9 %), coagulase-positive staphylococci (41.4 %), mold (40.4 %) and yeast (96.1 %). Significant factors such as contamination, inadequate cleaning of floors, walls and ceilings, exposure conditions, ventilation, lighting and improper handling of the product were observed.

Conclusion

The significant microbiological load observed in the examined cheeses and their assessment as unfit for human consumption reflect the hygienic deficiencies in the handling of the product, which, along with locative defects in the places where they are marketed, endangers the health of the consumer.